He urged websites to verify the information before publishing them and refrain from spreading false news as it affected public opinion.
The recent riots raised speculations that the Fedayeen Saddam militia was present in the Kingdom, according to National Democratic Action Society president Ebrahim Sharif.
“Some protesters informed us that they had heard riot police speaking in Iraqi dialect. There is no transparency by the authorities which leads to the circulation of such rumours,” he said.
The ministry denied reports published in websites and forums which claimed the presence of the Fedayeen Saddam Militia which were loyal to the Baathist government of Saddam Hussein.
“A large number of Iraqis have been naturalised in Bahrain. The authorities are neither providing any statistics nor are denying it. About 8,000 people are naturalised in Bahrain every year,” Sharif alleged.
He said this proved the group’s presence in Bahrain. “We want to know how many Arabs and non-Arabs have been granted citizenship and their occupation,” Sharif said.
Earlier, the Assistant Undersecretary at the General Directorate for Nationality, Passports and Residence, Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, rejected as baseless reports about the naturalisation of a large number of Iraqis. “It is all rumour,” he said in a statement, adding that the directorate was open to all to come and check on such rumours and other issues.
The society hosted a symposium on the recent protests at its headquarters in Umm Al Hassam. Family members of those detained, lawyers and human rights activists were present.
